IHS: First detailed report on Iraq's oil reserves and production potential since start of Iraq conflict

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MARK AUSTIN THOMAS: Iraq could be sitting on oil reserves that are double earlier estimates. That according to reports in the British press this morning, but some analysts are skeptical. From London, Stephen Beard reports.

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STEPHEN BEARD: The international consultancy IHS has carried out what it calls the most comprehensive study of Iraqi oil since the U.S.-led invasion. The results are startling.

Iraq's reserves are said to be "phenomenal" — 100 billion barrels bigger than expected.

The consultants claim that Iraq could double production to four million barrels a day within the next five years if only the security situation improved.

But Chris Skrebowski of Petroleum Review is not persuaded. He has his doubts about the study given the horrific violence in Iraq.

CHRIS SKREBOWSKI: Their ability to do much of a survey in such a difficult circumstance seems to me . . . well, I would need persuading that they've really been able to do a significant survey.

Even if it was significant, he says, we're still a long way from knowing for sure that Iraq's reserves are much more abundant than previously believed. Certainty only comes with drilling.

In London, this is Stephen Beard for Marketplace.